Israel’s government has approved the transfer of 1.03 billion shekels (more than $300 million) to the Defense Ministry for the urgent purchase of 12 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters.

Axar.az reports, citing The Times of Israel, that the funding was approved through a telephone vote on Wednesday. The purchase follows a US approval in January for the potential sale of 30 Apache helicopters and related equipment to Israel for $3.8 billion.

Most of the funding will come from cuts to a five-year government plan aimed at improving conditions in Israel’s Arab communities. The proposed reductions include 169 million shekels in 2027, 342 million in 2028 and 453 million in 2029.

The move followed delays and disputes over the helicopter deal. According to Channel 12, US officials gave Israel until Wednesday to finalize the purchase after several extensions, prompting an urgent search for funding.